Plymouth businesses are being urged to download QR code posters that work with the new NHS Test and Trace app in time to meet new Government regulations.
Businesses and venues have to display a unique QR code from Thursday (24 September) when the new app will be launched.
The posters make it easier for firms to meet their legal duty to collect contact details of people using their premises so they can be contacted in the event of a coronavirus outbreak.
The posters need to be displayed at entrances and customers just have to scan the code with their smart phones to check in. The phone app and QR code poster create a digital record that they visited that venue at that time.
Ruth Harrell, Director of Public Health for Plymouth, said: “The new NHS app has been designed to make the process of data collection easier for both the customer and the business. Customers simply have to scan a QR code and in the unfortunate event that a person later tests positive for COVID-19, the system will use the app to warn others that they may have been in contact with an infected person.
“The system will provide them with information on where to seek help. And although it won’t name the venue, nor the person infected, it will help people to know when to self-isolate and protect others from the virus.
“With cases on the rise across Plymouth, we are keen that everyone takes part and remembers this virus threat is far from over. We still need to maintain good hygiene, with hand washing, face covering and keeping two m apart. In some situations, people can forget, but this is a very real issue and we want to bring the numbers down.”
Premises that need to collect data are:
- hospitality, including pubs, bars, restaurants and cafés
- tourism and leisure, including hotels, museums, cinemas, zoos and theme parks
- close contact services, including hairdressers, barbershops and tailors
- facilities provided by local authorities, including town halls and civic centres for events, community centres, libraries and children’s centres
- places of worship, including use for events and other community activities
It does not apply to those premises where a service is supplied and goods are taken off site immediately, e.g. a food and drink outlet providing a takeaway.
Businesses and venues should visit the Government website to create a QR code.